Sunshine Adventures: Exploring Summer Sensory Activities!

Sunshine Adventures: Exploring Summer Sensory Activities!

 

 

Looking for ways to enrich your child’s cognitive, physical, and emotional growth during these long summer days?  One of the most effective ways to do so is through tactile sensory play!  Here are some summer-friendly sensory play ideas made easy with things from around your house, thoughtfully curated by an ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) Educator.

Sidewalk Chalk Paint

Materials: Muffin tin or cups, paint brushes/sponges/foam brushes, cornstarch, water, liquid food coloring

Instructions: Mix equal parts cornstarch and water and whisk smooth.  Divide the mixture into cups or a muffin tin.  Use one small drop of food coloring to color the individual containers. Then, use paint brushes, sponges, or foam brushes to paint onto sidewalks.

Ocean Oobleck

Materials: cornstarch, water, pan, measuring cup, blue food coloring, ocean animal toys

Instructions: Mix two cups of cornstarch with one cup of water. Add a few drops of blue food coloring when the mixture is partially combined. Add your ocean animals and see how fast they can swim!

DIY Moon Sand (Taste Safe)

Materials: Flour (or rice flour for gluten-free), coconut, canola, or vegetable oil, pan, sand/water toys

Instructions: Mix eight cups of flour with one cup of oil. Combine ingredients until the mixture feels silky and sandy but will hold shape if you squeeze it. Now, go ahead and build a sandcastle!

Ice Cream Sensory Bin (Taste Safe)

Materials: rainbow sprinkles, container, ice cream toys such as an ice cream scoop, spoons, cupcake liners, ice cream cones (real or pretend), and any other ice cream-type tools you have on hand

Instructions: Fill a bin with rainbow sprinkles and ice cream toys. Have fun scooping ice cream!

Incorporating tactile sensory activities into your child’s day nurtures their overall development by engaging their senses.  These activities can be done indoors or outdoors. So grab those materials to whip up hours of summer fun!

Revolutionizing ABA Therapy: The No Missing Pieces Journey with Raven

Revolutionizing ABA Therapy: The No Missing Pieces Journey with Raven

In the realm of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, efficiency is paramount. The ability to streamline processes, accurately collect data, and provide seamless support can significantly impact the quality of care for individuals receiving therapy. In this blog, we delve into the experience of No Missing Pieces, led by COO Jennifer Arredondo, an ABA therapy organization, as they transitioned to using Raven, an ABA data collection platform, and how it revolutionized their operations.

No Missing Pieces, led by COO Jennifer Arredondo and based in Louisiana, is committed to providing high-quality ABA therapy services to their clients. However, like many organizations, they faced challenges with previous data collection platforms, which hindered their efficiency and productivity.

Recognizing the need for a more efficient solution, No Missing Pieces, under the leadership of COO Jennifer Arredondo, explored various ABA data collection platforms. They ultimately chose Raven due to its user-friendly interface, comprehensive features, and excellent support system.

No Missing Pieces quickly realized the numerous benefits of using Raven. From streamlined data collection to improved billing processes and enhanced preparation for audits, Raven became an indispensable tool in their arsenal.

One of the standout features of Raven is its efficiency and user-friendliness, appreciated by COO Jennifer Arredondo and her team. The intuitive interface and customizable scheduling options have made supervision sessions more productive and streamlined.

The team lauds Raven’s support team, particularly highlighting the responsiveness and dedication of Miguel Garcia. Their prompt assistance and willingness to resolve issues have further solidified their trust in the platform.

Based on their positive experience, No Missing Pieces wholeheartedly recommends Raven to other ABA therapy organizations. Their overall experience with Raven can be summarized in one word: efficiency.

Raven allows me to easily review session details, including notes and data points, which wasn’t possible with previous platforms we used. With Raven, I can see each data point made within a session, making audits much smoother.
Jennifer Arredondo | COO – No Missing pieces

Conclusion

The journey of No Missing Pieces with Raven exemplifies the transformative impact of leveraging technology in ABA therapy. By prioritizing efficiency, user-friendliness, and robust support, Raven has become an invaluable asset in enhancing the quality of care provided by ABA therapy organizations.

As the demand for ABA therapy continues to grow, embracing innovative solutions like Raven can empower organizations to optimize their operations and ultimately make a positive difference in the lives of individuals with autism and related developmental disorders. To embark on a similar journey of transformation, we encourage other ABA service providers to set up a call with Raven Health and unlock the potential for enhanced efficiency and client care.

Raven allows me to easily review session details, including notes and data points, which wasn’t possible with previous platforms we used. With Raven, I can see each data point made within a session, making audits much smoother.
Jennifer Arredondo | COO – No Missing pieces

Conclusion

The journey of No Missing Pieces with Raven exemplifies the transformative impact of leveraging technology in ABA therapy. By prioritizing efficiency, user-friendliness, and robust support, Raven has become an invaluable asset in enhancing the quality of care provided by ABA therapy organizations.

As the demand for ABA therapy continues to grow, embracing innovative solutions like Raven can empower organizations to optimize their operations and ultimately make a positive difference in the lives of individuals with autism and related developmental disorders. To embark on a similar journey of transformation, we encourage other ABA service providers to set up a call with Raven Health and unlock the potential for enhanced efficiency and client care.

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Raven Health Presents: Speaking the Language of Funders

Raven Health Presents: Speaking the Language of Funders

Course Description

Obtaining insurance authorization for applied behavior analysis (ABA) services has become a routine job expectation for many board certified behavior analysts (BCBAs). Navigating insurance authorizations can be daunting for BCBAs because it requires them to write goals that align with medical necessity and each funder’s unique requirements. Failure to write goals in this manor can lead to partial or full denials for authorization for services, resulting in less access to care for clients. This presentation will focus on understanding funder-specific requirements for ABA services, tying the core deficits of autism to those requirements, and writing treatment goals that are individualized to the client and that are likely to be authorized by funders. Participants will be guided through case examples and practice describing medical necessity, writing treatment goals, and requesting authorization for services from funders.

Raven Health Presents: OBM Applications to Making a Positive Difference

Raven Health Presents: OBM Applications to Making a Positive Difference

Course Description

In the current ABA and landscape we have seen a steady increase in the need for ABA services throughout the United States. This demand has subsequently driven the need for BCBAs to provide that care. Current information says that ~50% of all BCBAs have had their certificate for less then 3 years. This indicates that a majority of the workforce is new to the field. As a BCBA you are asked to be competent in dozens of various skills in areas you may not have been adequately trained for or trained at all. On top the daily speedbumbs that may arise to make your day-to-day clinical life challenging we are also faced with technology and administrative burdens. During this session, Dr. Rodriguez will discuss how these challenges can be addressed and mitigated by using OMB applications to support clinical teams, and ensure higher quality care for the families we care for.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify OBM Applications to support common concerns in ABA Clinics.

2. Identify OBM solutions that may help your performance improvement needs.

3. Identify OBM solutions to help new BCBAs thrive in an oversight role.

Using Technology for Data Collection

Using Technology for Data Collection


Data-driven decision-making is at the core of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Technology advancements continue to shape how behavior analysts and other ABA professionals approach client care. Traditional pen-and-paper documentation is steadily giving way to innovative digital solutions. Using technology for data collection improves accuracy and efficiency and allows behavior analysts to more rapidly make data-driven decisions to improve client outcomes.

Importance of Data Collection for Children with Autism

The vast majority of ABA clinicians, over 70%, work within the autism population (BACB). Each child is unique and requires individualized, data-driven care. As such, ABA clinicians know the importance of accurate and efficient data collection for driving the best possible outcomes. Data enables behavior analysts to develop tailored interventions based on a client’s needs, track progress, analyze trends, and make data-informed modifications about their progress on an ongoing basis. Data is crucial for assessing the effectiveness of interventions and ensuring clients progress toward their long-term goals.

How to Improve Data Collection with Technology

While many options exist for collecting ABA data, technology-based methods have emerged during the current digital age. Utilizing technology for data collection comes with many advantages. By using a data collection software that is tailored to the unique needs of ABA professionals, organizations can improve client and staff outcomes, resulting in improved quality of life for clients and higher job satisfaction for staff.

ABA organizations can improve their data collection methods by adopting digital-based data solutions. Some of the benefits of transitioning to a technology-based data collection method include:

  • Reduced chances of human error – Improved accuracy is one of the primary benefits of digital data. When using paper data, technicians may be unable to immediately enter data, resulting in data entry several minutes after the observation, reducing accuracy. Digital data collection allows staff to seamlessly enter data in real-time, which reduces the chances of staff forgetting the correct information and thus entering inaccurate data. Entering data only once, rather than transferring paper data to another system, also reduces the likelihood of human error.
  • Increased efficiency – Digtal data platforms allow technicians to enter data immediately upon observation, saving time and allowing technicians to focus more of their attention directly on their clients rather than being bogged down with paperwork. Digital data also makes session note writing effortless, allowing technicians to end each session with a well-written, concise note.
  • Streamlined data analysis – With real-time data submitted electronically, behavior analysts can readily analyze data, allowing them to make well-informed, data-driven treatment decisions. This all leads to more effective and individualized interventions.
  • Enhanced security and privacy – Digital ABA data also enhances the security and privacy of client data when using a HIPAA-compliant platform. All client data and session notes are housed in one secure location rather than on numerous data sheets that can be lost or misplaced.
  • Ease of use – In a fast-paced therapy session, carrying around a clunky clipboard or binder and scrambling through data sheets can be a challenge. Using a phone, tablet, or other compatible device, a technician can efficiently move about the session and seamlessly enter data as the session progresses without missing anything. Whether chasing clients around their homes or working out in the community, digital data makes this much more manageable.
  • Increased compliance – Maintaining records in one secure location increases compliance with laws, funding requirements, and regulatory bodies.

Why Are Some ABA Professionals Still Using Paper?

Despite the countless benefits of technology-driven data collection, some ABA clinicians still cling to paper-based and other disintegrated methods. This reluctance to transition to digital data collection often stems from a pre-existing comfort with using one’s current system. While paper data collection is less efficient and comes with other challenges, such as increased proneness to error and risk of non-compliance, change can be difficult to accept. Some behavior analysts may continue to use paper data because they feel it has worked well enough for them thus far. Likely, many are simply unaware of the available ABA data collection solutions and their benefits.

Other reasons ABA professionals may avoid adapting to digital data collection may be concerns regarding technology complexity, a lack of time to learn new methods, and the costs associated with digital platforms.

At Raven Health, we recognize the concerns many ABA clinicians have with transitioning to digital data collection. As such, we are committed to making the switch as seamless as possible.

Raven Health’s Mission to Equip the ABA Industry

Raven Health enables behavior analysts to harness the power of data collection effectively. With innovative software tailored for ABA, clinicians can improve client outcomes while improving staff satisfaction.

Schedule a demo today to see our platform in action and learn more about how we’re improving care through technology.

ReferencesCooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2019). Applied Behavior Analysis (3rd Edition). Hoboken, NJ: Pearson Education.